Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1887-04-13
THE VERSAILLES LOCKET.

hegllldlQ L Onldln6 owed MS pros
perity largely TO personal skill as a
workman, and to correct tastes. In
part, also, his success was the result of
economy, and that sound judgment
which led him when once he had saved
8 little money 10 rent the piincIpal
corner store III town and advertise
briskly. And part was due TO his
name, which had an arlstocratic sound.
Fontaine was young man of fine
address, with knack Of apt apparel,
and he quickly became the leading
ieweler. His credit was excellent from
the start. He bought directly OF the
manufacturers, won and held the popu.
lar retail tra3e, and in nve years rose
to good commercial standing.
One September morning a stranger
asked for Mr.. Fontaine at his store, a
gentleman Of foreign accent and ap-
pearance. handsomely attired, with a
snrewd, energetic face. He was sales
man for French manufacturing firm,
who solicited trade direct with Ameri-
can retailers. His prices seemed high,
although his wares were original in
pattern, and the stones of superior
purity and lustre. In fact, it was .
grade of Jewels more costly than Fon-
tsine had yet carried, and it appeared
doubtful if his quiet ttown would jus
tify such expensive investments. Ac-
cording he declined to buy.
The stranger retired, but in half
hour returned again. He had made
inquiries at the banks. and satisfied
himself of the jewelers. responsibility.
He now offered to leave few articles
on commission, for the purpose Of In
PRODUCING his styles. Fontaine vel
coined this proposal, and gave the re-
celpts, obtaining a dozen very hand
some gold breastpins, bearing ruby,
sapphire, and emerald in unique set
tings, and a costly locket. He eNUlted
over the brilliant additions to his
exhibit, which would at least lend
eclat to the stock and add to his repute.
The locket especially was notable
accession. and he gave 1t conspicuous
plate-glass shelf Of his corner show
window. It was oval in form, Of solid
gold, adorned with delicate bas-relief
work and dainty enamel 1t Was stud
ded with cluster of five diamonds on
each side. These diamonds we're clear
and vivid, uniform in size and quality,
and OF radiant depth.
1--WE ought to give tnat locket
name" said Jean FoDtaine, as he stood
by the window, admirlng it. Jean was
Reglnald's brother and chief clerk, a
skilful and competant assistant.
Suppose We label il former property
Of Marie Antoinette," suggested Regi-
maid, who was wont TO make free use
OF his imagination.
mo, mol" replied the more prosaie
Jean. I'VE can't asoribe historical
qualities. 1t looks too new. We might
call it "A Congo Souvenir, or The
Tonquin Trophy"
Reginald demurred.
mot one in ten of our customers
viii know 1t is French, or even under
stand such a name. They will think 1t
wss made In Connecticut, unless We
state the contrary. will have little
placard printed, naming it the Yer
sailles Locket,' and announcing myself
as importer.
Accordingly. next day appeared
delicate advertisement in black-and-
white: THE Versailles Locket.-Our
ownimportation.- from France.
Genuine Diamonds Fine Gold.-
Hand Graven.-Price, So, ,000."
Time passed. The ladies of the town
came, examined and admired the
locket. Christmas went by, and still
the jewel lay in It's satin bed upon The
plate-glass shelf unsold. The breast
pins were taken, but the locket proved
too expensive for FoDtsine's patrons.
twenty-five hundred dollars was the
sum he stood accountable for to the
French manufacturer in payment Tor
this locket should he make sale, and
although in confidential moments he
offered 1t to special customers at
twenty-seven hundred, no one prohted
BY this liberal discount from the set
price. Every night the locket was care
fully put away in the burglar-proof
compartment of his huge steel vault,
and every morning its plush box was
restored to the show-shelf, but the
jewel seemed likely to remain as an
advertisement until the travelling sales
man reappeared to claim it.
One day q gentleman came In and
left his gold watch for repairs. This
was tall, majestic person, whom Fon-
taine had often seen Of late upon the
street,, wearing heavy sealskin cap
and a melton ulster. with collar and
cuffs and pocket-faps OF seal fur, and
clad throughout in costly Difference to
fashion. His watch was heavily chased,
and very valuable. He was particular
to take receipt in the name OF r. T.
mi h
out so much as recognizing IN Regi-
maid Fontaine the proprietor of the
premises.
At the appointed time Mr.. Barton
returned for bis watch. FOntalne in
person waited on him, and noticed the
massive signet ring worn bY his Gus.
toner, the onyx monogram OF which
seemed cracked. Mr.. Barton threw
down fifty-dollar bill with an indiner-
ept air, and gathered up the change